In celebration of the Fiesta Alegria de Isabela marking the 175th Patronal Fiesta of the Cathedral Parish of Sta. Isabel de Portugal, the City Government of Isabela, led by Mayor Sitti Djalia A. Turabin-Hataman, through the City Tourism Office under Claudio Ramos II, and in coordination with the Philippine Coast Guard Station-Isabela and the City Agriculture Office, held the Fiesta Regatta 2025: The Sakayan Boat Race, July 6.
A much-anticipated tradition, the regatta showcases the cultural and historical importance of the sakayan as symbol of the Isabela City ’s maritime heritage.
Participants competed in four categories:
Lumbah-LumbahPuppet/TiriritBangka Anak-Anak (Men’s Division)Bangka Anak-Anak (Couple’s Division)Winners in each category brought home P6,000, while second and third placers received P4,000 and P2,000, respectively. Non-winners each received a P1,000 consolation prize.
Among those who joined the festivities were councilors Alexes Infante Ututalum (chair, Committee on Tourism and Beautification) and Jashim Tiplani (chair, Committee on Transportation), along with former Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative Mary May Julhari.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Coast Guard Station-Isabela, under the supervision of Station Commander CG LTJG Al-Ajim H. Hadjili, the 19th Special Forces Company led by CPT Ralph Raoul L. Carbon, the Isabela City Police Station headed by PMAJ Kuhutan Hora Imlani Jr., Acting City Environment and Natural Resources Officer Albino Orbecido, and the City General Services Office under Eugene Strong rendered crucial support to the successful conduct of the event. (Contributed Report/Photos by A. Puti, IsaTV)
